The Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Area, His Royal Majesty Awulae Kwasi Amakye III, has reaffirmed his opposition to illegal and irresponsible mining, warning that no one should use the government's Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) as a cover for environmentally destructive practices.

Speaking after receiving officials of rCOMSDEP at his palace, the Paramount Chief said mining would not be permitted within the Western Nzema Traditional Area until the appropriate regulatory framework is in place.

He noted that although the area is endowed with significant mineral resources, protecting the environment and the interests of future generations must take precedence over short-term economic gains.

"If you look at Ghana's mineral map, you will notice that the mining resources on my land remain largely untapped. I am not against mining, but until the right framework is in place, we will not permit mining here. My position has always been that we cannot trade our future for present needs if it is done irresponsibly," he said.

Earlier, the National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP, Mawusi Ama Mawuenyafia, briefed the traditional ruler on the government's responsible mining initiative under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

She explained that the programme, which replaces the former community mining model, gives traditional authorities a greater role in determining community priorities and setting conditions for investors. She added that all agreements between communities and investors must be documented, witnessed and approved by rCOMSDEP before a mining lease is granted by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.

Responding to the Paramount Chief's concerns, Ms Mawuenyafia assured him that rCOMSDEP, in collaboration with the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), would intensify efforts to combat illegal mining and ensure that all mining activities are carried out responsibly and in the interest of host communities.